Microsoft to miss Windows 10 1 billion device target

Microsoft has stepped back from its self-imposed target of having its Windows 10 service on 1 billion devices by 2018, citing problems with its smartphone business.

It had set a target for Windows 10 being installed on one billion devices by the middle of 2018, but has now backtracked.

A spokesperson from the company referred in a statement to its "focusing" on their mobile business for the next period.

"We're pleased with our progress to date, but due to the focusing of our phone hardware business, it will take longer than FY18 for us to reach our goal of 1 billion monthly active devices."

Microsoft Windows and Devices boss Terry Myerson made the original claim at Build 2015, noting the 1 billion would take in all kinds of devices that would run Windows 10 in some variant, including desktops, PCs, laptops, tablets, and Windows Phones.

However, sales of its smartphones have not been as high as expected. with Microsoft officials conceding that Windows Phone isn't much of a focus for Microsoft in its 2016 calendar.

In a smartphone market dominated by Android and Apple, Microsoft have struggled to keep up, with almost 7,800 employees being made redundant as well as writing off the value of its Nokia phone business.